Object

Representation ID: 43876

Received: 05/10/2021

Respondent: Taylor Wimpey

Agent: Pegasus

11.3 Policy ENV2 relates to development affecting the Cannock Chase SAC. It states an appropriate assessment will be carried out for any development that leads to a net increase in homes or creates visitor accommodation within 15 km of the boundary of the Cannock Chase SAC. In respect of SACs, Planning Practice Guidance (PPG) states that appropriate assessments will be required only if a development is likely to be a significant effect on a protected habitats site. Given the current wording, Policy ENV2 would therefore suggest a single dwelling 14.99km from the Cannock Chase SAC would have a significant effect upon it. This cannot be the case.
11.4 The explanation to the policy refers to mitigation in the form of contributions towards management of the SAC. If this is to be pursued, it should be in the main Policy text and properly justified.
11.5 The justification to the Policy identifies that development proposals can increase levels of nitrous oxide deposition that may affect designated SACs, e.g. through increased traffic usage on roads that run within close proximity to the boundary of the SAC. The supporting text indicates that a future partnership approach would be developed to address this matter but, in the meantime, where development may result in harm to the SAC, then the relevant Council will carry out an appropriate assessment. This needs further explanation and/or amendment as it appears to be relying on a partnership approach that has not yet been developed and therefore cannot be implemented.